the stoke is real!
It has been satisfying to work on A River Runs Through It for the last few weeks. We managed to replace a few more expired features and smooth out some of the flow sucking eroded root sections. “Mike’s Garage has collapsed!” This iconic feature dared riders through a large Cedar stump before a series of gap step downs. Modern handlebars no longer fit through the arch… I thought, this is our chance to renovate it! Upon lifting the collapsed portion of the stump, I was stormed by Wasps! I suspect a bear must have vandalized the feature to snack on some spicy critters. We’ll leave that alone for a while! In other Wasp related stories, Jacob and Braden had to escape 2 different spots while trying to install sign posts. Braden once again lost at sting-roulette! (that’s his hand in the photos). Be careful at the bottom of Between the Creeks and, ride fast through the last 100m of Wizard Burial Ground: Those Wasps confiscated my chainsaw! It was a screenplay-worthy horror-comedy but I managed to clear the fallen tree.
Meanwhile, back at A River Runs Through It, the entire team performed some rockwork as we moved closer to Rainbow park. Given the dry conditions, filling holes with dust would have been futile, so we were presented with a good opportunity to perfect the crew’s dry-lock armouring skills. “Rock Tetris” requires creativity, attention to detail and patience… from the crew and from passing riders. “Watch your step!” There was no easy way through our worksite along the narrow ledge squeezed between the road and the swamp. A Wasp’s nest nearby added extra thrill to our hike-a-bike obstacle course but everyone that came through was stoked about the fresh work. I’m always delighted to see so many mid-week “customers” and A River Runs Through It has set the bar for high ridership this season. The South segment now meets the Blue rating standard and the trail crew will return later to complete some more optional advanced skill features.
See you on the trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
